Tides of Protomis LV
The Rapid Tide
As the battles continued across the Kaemerge Capital, a different one took place. Within the city’s noble quarter, there lay a citadel. Multi-tiered, with stark white walls, and blue tiled roofs that denoted each floor. It bore a resemblance to those one would see in Yamato. Which only made sense with it being the Ito Manor. Within, was Ito Minoru, in the very same Hakama most usually saw him in. In his hand was his Nodachi. In front of him, wearing the very same outfit, and holding a Nodachi as well, was a boy, who looked to be in his teens. A pair of dark brown eyes, and wild, spiky Auburn hair. Though his build was slender, what could be seen was well toned. As Minoru put both hands on his blade, and shifted his left foot back, the boy did the same, as if mirroring him.
Before the two leaped forward, swinging their blades as they got within the other’s melee range. The blades clashed between them with a clang, as sparks flew outward. The two stood there for only a moment, the younger stepping back, and letting out a Lateral swing, his blade going toward the older's midsection. However, the older re-positioned his blade, twisting it, and making its edge point toward the floor. He used this as a guard, stopping his attack in its tracks. A grunt of effort came from the younger as he pushed forward, attempting to break through his guard. But the older’s defense stayed solid. A counterattack came in the form of a kick to his side. The Youth leaped backwards, moving out of the kick’s path, before leaping toward the ceiling, and coming down on Minoru, blade ready to slice him down the middle. Minoru brung his blade up in time, blocking his strike, before shoving the boy back. Who skidded as he slid back, retaking his starting stance soon after.
Now, the younger was at a loss… How was he going to break through his defense? It almost seemed like no matter what angle he attacked from, the man had read through his moves every time… He would have to be more flexible, misdirect… the boy flew forward once more, with a shout, swinging at the older’s shoulder, something followed by the repositioning of his target’s blade, as he moved it to protect himself, it left his stomach wide open.
“Got Him!”
The younger sent a Knee toward the older’s midsection, only for the latter to kick with his own leg, stopping the attack in place. The younger tsked as he retreated, beginning to swipe his blade in wide arcs, while older either dodged, or blocked these strikes. His look almost seemed to be dismissive of the younger. And, as the last swipe fell, Minoru blocked it, leaving the boy wide open to attack, as he kicked him away, sending him to the other side of the room, the younger’s blade flying from his grasp…
The younger fell to his back, huffing as he laid there, the exhaustion clearly having got to him… This was the result again? He promptly lifted himself to his feet, grasping his sword, which found itself planted into the wall. Before, bringing it into the grasp of both hands.
“Damn it…” The boy spat.
No sooner did Minoru begin walking toward the younger, releasing one hand from his blade. As he got within a few feet, he placed his free hand on the boy’s shoulder.
“You’ll have to do better than that in order to defeat me… Hajime.”
Hajime gripped his blade with both hands, as he stepped back and re-took his stance.
“Alright then- - Another round, I’ll defeat you this time!!!”
Minoru shook his head. Somewhat putting a damper on the boy’s enthusiasm.
“I apologize Hajime, but I can't right now… Heretics are descending upon the capitol- and we won’t let them have their way… Besides- You’re 100 years too young to think of defeating your father…”
Now, Minrou sheathed his blade, walking past him as he exited the room… Afterward, it was clear that the mood had changed. Ito Hajime was always eager to spend time with his father, to get closer to learning the secrets of Guren-Ryu, to becoming as strong as his father, a lofty goal, but one he chased nonetheless… However, that much always seemed to be interrupted by situation’s like this. It only made sense, him being one of the four most influential people, save the Emperor himself. Even so, he simply could not get rid of his contempt.
“It just had to be now--Didn’t it? I'd rather my father not fight for these divine-obsessed people, and their dogma… All this bunk about Ardam’s So-called “All seeing Eye?” What a joke…”
Hajime let out a sigh, as he strolled toward the window on the other side of the room, sheathing his blade along the way. While at the end of the hallway, Minoru made his way up a flight of stairs, and, as he did so, the light of the sun brightened up his view. Until, he made his way toward a balcony that overlooked the entire city. No sooner did he jump off, beginning a flight toward Rizian.. All the while, Hajime watched him leave with a shake of the head.
In another area of the city, another two proto-humans walked upon its streets. A girl with a head of purple hair, Miyamoto Junko. And another with a head of red, Valerie Wilson. As they made their way down, they almost seemed to ignore the signs of battle above them, the sky filled with crimson beams of light, as the two fleets clashed. Deafening explosions, and balls of light rapidly appeared as, one by one, the forces of both sides were thinned out. As the Kamerge lost one, so did the coalition. If the coalition lost a ship, so did the Kaemerge. Of course, as the deadlock continued, the city itself was not spared by the destruction, whether it be by falling ships, or misplaced fire, many of the towering spires began to crumble. As they continued to make their way down the street, Miyamoto took notice of something in the corner of her eye… To her left, on one of the main avenues, multiple squads of the Coalition's soldiers, wearing armor from their respective nations, faced off against a crowd of Civilians. Miyamoto stopped in her tracks, as she turned to face this sight. As Valerie took note of the steps that stopped falling behind her, she turned to look back at Miyamoto, then at the standoff. For the soldiers were not the only ones armed, the city’s inhabitants were as well. A frown came onto Valerie’s face…
“This isn’t gonna end well…” She mumbled.
Miyamoto nodded in agreement. Such cases were well documented in history, and they'd even seen it themselves. She distinctly recalled another standoff between the kaemerge, and the people of a town in the outskirts of Tokyo… She only hoped this wouldn’t end up the same way. One of the many soldiers stepped forward, the cloth on his shoulder showing his rank as the CO. It was clear to him where this was going, he had to de-escalate this.
“We don't have to do this. We are here for the Kaemerge’s forces, and nobody else… Do the smart thing, and drop your weapons.”
Apparently, the words did very little to placate them. The rifles in their hands stayed trained upon the various squads, and the standoff continued. It did not take long for one to shout in response
“Like Hell we don't. You come in here doing what you're doing, and expect us to just let that happen?! Well drop our weapons when you're out of Tsugashuan!”
… As the tension grew, and the man’s sentiment seemed to spread like wildfire across the civilians, shouted insults and demands began to come from them, echoing through the city, and almost seeming to burn away any prospect of surrender. Eventually, a trigger was pulled… Who shot first was unknown in the confusion, but the effects were clear. The CO threw his arm out, and, with the others given, the Coalition's troops opened fire. The storm of gauss rifles tearing through the bodies, tearing limbs off, and leading to their rifles clanging as they fell upon the asphalt. Within seconds, the resistance was eliminated. Now, only bodies remained.
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“This is one of the loyalist districts, It looks like.” Valerie noted.
“Yeah… Let’s just get this over with- so this bloodshed won’t last much longer…”
The two were no strangers to death, after all. Though they couldn’t call themselves as experienced as the Silver Lions, and those they met during their days with the Kaemerge, they’d seen a lot, no doubt. Eventually, they continued their walk, making their way to their goal without a word, both letting their mind’s drift to other subjects. While Valerie’s were as one would expect, what she may do when they both left, or possible strategies, Miyamoto decidedly went in a different direction.
“I know he’s probably here… Now there’s just the question of when and where I can find him… I hope it’s soon. We didn’t get to talk that much with training…”
Unbeknownst to Miyamoto. Her apparent excitement made it onto her expression. A slight smile, which didn’t go unnoticed by her friend at her side. Who’s trademark smirk came onto her face.
“What’s with that look? You seem a bit excited…” Valerie teased.
Almost on command, Miyamoto returned to her poker face, as she seemed to stiffen up… But, she would soon regain her composure, waving her hand dismissively.
“I… Don't know what you’re talking about.”
Miyamoto began to walk past her, hoping to end the conversation right there… Already knowing how much the redhead enjoyed her teases and jokes. No such luck, Valerie soon sped up as well. Great, now there was no chance of her forgetting how she reacted, anytime soon, that was.
“Come on-- You can tell big sister about your-” Valerie began, before being cut off.
“This again? Shut up- We’re the same age.”
Soon, Miyamoto averted her gaze, looking away from her friend. All the while, a giggle came from Valerie. Her glee only made sense, considering she’d enjoyed such things since her childhood… Even Gihren wasn’t safe from such things. In the midst of all this, however, Miyamoto asked but one question.
“Man… Why couldn't I have grown a few more inches. “
However, the rather leisurely conversation was interrupted, as the two stopped in their tracks. Miyamoto and Valerie’s gazes moved around as they noted something.
“Four proto-humans all, at one time…” Valerie noted.
“I recognize two, but the others are unknown to me… They seem strong too. Imperial guard, maybe?” Miyamoto questioned. While the two familiar ones seemed to grow closer as time went on, the same could not be said for the two unknown’s, who seemed to disappear from their senses. Perhaps they decided to retreat? Eventually, flying overhead, were two men, a blonde, and a man of brown hair.,
His body covered in a black tracksuit, and his body cloaked in his signature wild red Aura… As he observed that a certain girl was there, a smile came onto his face, as he yelled out.
“Kazimir Rhuskov, The Ever-handsome Mechanic has arrived!!”
Kazimir touched down, his smile staying on his face, as he gave a thumbs up… Both of the girls were quiet, looking between themselves, with their expressions blank. A clear result of his words.
“Wilson, Junko. Looks like you guys did decide to show up. Seems you’ve gotten stronger too. I guess Arctaius wasn’t kidding.”
As the man spoke, Valerie took note of something from his speech, one that she commented on soon after.”
“It would look like you two got closer.. When did you all get on a first name basis?”
Kazimir attempted to think back to that moment, but… It came up as a blank, he shrugged his shoulders.
“Just happened over time I guess. We were already gonna be fighting on the same side… Yu was a bit resistant to that, though… Oh right, you two never met-”
The two are interrupted by Miyamoto seemingly sliding rather close to Kazimir, apparently ignoring his earlier statements. This much caught his attention almost immediately, especially considering his previously stated feelings.
“Where did this come from?” He questioned.. Miyamoto went silent for a moment, as she pondered her next course of action.
“Well, just wanted to thank you for last time. You did kind of help me come to my senses. I'd still be with them if it weren't for that… I might even say that, perhaps you are kind of attractive…”
After all, it wouldn’t hurt to hang out after all this was over, or at least stay in contact… As the Russian heard this, he was just about ready to pull off his Slavic charm once more. He began to question, what was the most impressive line he could pull out?
“Woah, there- Miyamoto- I appreciate your compliment but think about it… I have all manners of women after me- What kind of man would I be if I just left them all in the dust?”
Kazimir puts his arm out, unmoving, as the group deadpanned. Eventually, Alarick touched down, eyes closed as he walked past Kazimir.
“Maybe in your dreams you do…But we all know THAT isn’t true…”
Kazimir sputtered, as his gaze shot back to Alarick. With almost a somewhat betrayed look on his face. Before he went to defend his honor once more.
“Even if you say that, I know the truth…”
“Then you know that these “Manners Of Women” Don’t exist…” Alarick responded.
Eventually, Kazimir shot over to where Alarick stood, stopping right in front of him, as he pointed at the blonde.
“Come on- we’re friends aren't we?! As a friend, shouldn't you help me out as a wingman?”
Alarick simply turned his head away once more.
“Maybe that’s YOUR definition of friendship, the same could not be said for me… and either way, “friend” is a strong word.Perhaps “Associate” is a better term.” Alarick responded. Kazimir stood there, his gaze moving between the last Von Zaisen, and the girl he attempted to impress… To the opposite effect, it seemed.
“DAMMIT!!! I thought that would work!”. As the Russian yelled internally, Alarick had already moved on. Instead, focusing on the rest of the city, predicting enemy positions, observing the tide of the battle above them, and looking for any Imperial guard members in his sensory range. So far, nothing.
“I’m going to go towards Rizian- we won’t make ground if we’re all in one place…” Alarick trailed off, as he thought about another factor to their battle, obvious ones, for sure.
“Speaking of that- do you know where the others have landed?”
“Well… Hard to tell with all the high tiers packed into this one area, but I’d say lei Landed somewhere in the east, and Arctaius and Jirou in the North.” Kazimir responded.
Kazimir’s long range senses always had been the best out of the tides. That much was especially important for this battle.
“Then I'll be going west.” Alarick decided. Something followed by the Blonde beginning to levitate, only stopping his ascent about 10 stories up, before he pivoted his body, facing the west, before he blasted off to another area of the city. Kazimir began floating as well, apparently, planning to make his leave.
“Alright. It’s about time I go look for a Guard member too… Speaking of that, I detected two high tiers, didn’t recognize them from the coalition and they definitely weren't within our group. Though, they could just end up being interlopers, or something of the like… But, I’m sure you two can handle it.”
Kazimir simply gave them a thumbs up, before he left as well… And, as he did so, the proto-humans began approaching, perhaps they’d been lying in wait? Either way, it seemed they were coming straight for them. But with so many unknown variables.
“It looks like we’ll have to see who they are when they get here…” Valerie thought.
“I can tell you who I am!” A womanly voice shouted out. The two’s gazes shot up, as they saw an older woman descend upon them. A head of curly purple hair, that stopped at her shoulders. Draped over said shoulders, was a black cloak, adorned with white accents, and an eye of ardam stitched into the back.
“The all powerful rapid tide of the Kaemerge, Celestina Acconio, Imperial Guard!!!”
The woman proceeded to strike a pose, one hand helt in front of her face… However, the two girls simply stared at her blankly, somewhat surprised by her theatrics. As the silence continued, descending upon them as well, was a dark-skinned man with dread-locks, wearing the very same outfit coming to join her. He gave her a look of contempt… And the silence continued.
“Come on, Rimon, you’re supposed to take a pose too!”
The man, Rinmon Oeurna, simply turned his attention toward the two in front of him.
“Enough of your theatrics, Acconio… You already wasted enough time with that “Observation”...” He scolded.
“That WAS an observation.. Besides, who knows what would’ve happened if I fought without you?”
“Me and you both know you were being lazy, and planning your entrance… if it hadn't been for me, you'd have still been on that roof. No Matter- I'm going to search for the others in their group, and point this “Myron” Character in the right direction… Take care of these two.”
His job finished, Rinmon flew off, leaving Celestina alone to handle the opponents. Strangely enough, however, her demeanor seemed unchanged from before. Did the odds not bother her at all?
“Well- I guess we have to get to it now!!”
That question was quickly answered as she made her proclamation, and leaped forward, ready to make her first attack. On instinct, both girls prepared for their counterattack, a red glow- noticeably larger, and more intense, then in the battle of Tokyo, even seeming to have grown brighter. No sooner did a number of violet orbs of light surround Valerie, as the energy around her condensed…
Her eyes began moving around, as she checked for good angles of attack. Quickly conforming them, she snapped, and the orbs began barrelling through the sky, with energy beams beginning to rain down upon Celestina. The woman’s eyes flew around, as she took note of the disturbances in the air, and she swiftly ducked under one, jumping over another, before changing her position mid-air to avoid a third… However, it was then that Miyamoto flew to her side, launching a gloved fist at the woman’s jaw. Celestina was quick to avoid the fist, touching down on the ground under her once more. Miyamoto soon followed, landing in front as well, before sweeping Celestina's legs, making her fall. The girl would quickly grasp her opponent’s limb, before throwing her far into the sky… As the woman continued her ascent, Miyamoto glanced over her shoulder at Valrie, and nodded.
The spheres moved to follow the distracted woman, and before she knew it, she was barraged by beams from all directions. The force of the blasts shaking her frame… Though this was not nearly enough to stop her, as the beams stopped firing, she prepared to make a counterattack.. But did not get far before being thrown back by a right straight, courtesy of Miyamoto. The woman felt the wind being knocked out of her, as she barrelled away. But recovered within a few moments, stopping her flight there…
As the imperial guard eyed the two, the situation became more clear to her. It seemed as if their suspicions were correct… All of their targets had gotten stronger in the time they disappeared. This was made worse by all the others who’d come to attack the capital as well. This didn’t bode well, that much was clear.
“These two… it's clear that they're holding back. They have some synergy as well… this'll be a problem”
To Be Continued
(Alright, Since I didn't post it last chapter, Here he is. The Emperor Kaemerge himself, Selenium Ignatius)
[https://i.ibb.co/HP3PWGQ/Screenshot-20220511-181747-Photos.png]